The Demand for a Sign - Matthew 16:1-4
Understand It
- Who approached Jesus? (16:1)
- What were the people who approached Jesus really doing? (16:1)
- What request did the people make of Jesus? (16:1)
- Jesus answered the Pharisees and Sadducees by talking about what? (16:2)
- What did a red sky at night mean in this context? (16:2)
- What did a red sunrise indicate in this context? (16:3)
- Why did Jesus chastise the Pharisees and Sadducees? (16:3-4)
- What kind of generation did Jesus say looks for a sign? (16:4)
- What single sign did Jesus offer? (16:4)
- What did Jesus do after speaking with the Pharisees and Sadducees? (16:4)
Apply It
- What are some ways you could use nature or the Bible to share the truth of Christ with a friend?
- In what way can you show your faith in Christ this week?
- What has God done in your life that you can use as a sign to others?
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees - Matthew 16:5-12
Understand It
- Where were Jesus and His disciples traveling? (16:5)
- What did the disciples forget to pack? (16:5)
- What warning did Jesus issue to His followers? (16:6)
- Whom did Jesus mention in His warning? (16:6)
- How did the disciples misunderstand Jesus’ comments? (16:7)
- What did Jesus say the disciples lacked? (16:8)
- What did Jesus’ disciples fail to understand? (16:9)
- What did Jesus’ disciples forget? (16:9)
- What recent incidents did Jesus cite to make His point? (16:9-10)
- How did Jesus clarify His remarks about yeast? (16:11)
- What was Jesus encouraging His disciples to avoid? Why? (16:11-12)
- What happened when Jesus explained His words? (16:12)
Apply It
- What can you do today to become more sensitive to what God is trying to teach you through His Word?
- What nonjudgmental and nonthreatening step can you take this week to warn a friend who is being led astray by unsound teaching?
- What small evil do you need to root out of your life this week before it spreads and causes much trouble?
Peter's Confession of Christ - Matthew 16:13-20
Understand It
- In what region did the events of this passage take place? (16:13)
- What broad, impersonal question did Jesus ask His disciples? (16:13)
- What different answers did Christ get to His question? (16:14)
- What pointed personal question did Christ ask His followers? (16:15)
- Who spoke up in answer to Christ’s question? (16:16)
- What answer did Peter give? (16:16)
- Why was Peter blessed? (16:17)
- In what way is coming to faith and understanding the gospel a supernatural event? (16:17)
- What kind of leadership role did Jesus predict for Peter? (16:18)
- What did Jesus promise about the Church? (16:18)
- What authority did Jesus promise to Peter? (16:19)
- Against what did Jesus warn His disciples at the conclusion of this discussion? (16:20)
Apply It
- What part in the building of Christ’s Church do you have now?
- What can you do or say to help a friend overcome an erroneous idea about Jesus this week?
- What are three ways you could make a public statement of your faith in Christ?
Jesus Predicts His Death - Matthew 16:21-28
Understand It
- What did Christ begin telling His disciples would eventually happen to Him? (16:21)
- How did Christ say He would suffer? (16:21)
- Who did Christ say would oppose Him and make Him suffer? (16:21)
- What did Christ say would happen after He was killed? (16:21)
- How did Peter react to the news that Jesus would suffer and die? (16:22)
- How did Jesus characterize Peter’s objections? (16:23)
- What is required of the one who would follow Jesus? (16:24)
- What two ways can a person lose his or her life? (16:25)
- A person’s soul is more valuable than what? How? (16:26)
- What did Jesus say would happen after His death and resurrection? (16:27)
- What will happen after Christ returns? (16:27)
- What did Jesus promise His disciples? (16:28)
Apply It
- What do you need to do this week to center your thoughts on the things of God?
- What is one way you can deny yourself today for Christ’s sake?
- What change in your weekly schedule could you make to better reflect what God considers important?
